Burn ban extended for Okanogan County

UNION GAP –

The Stage 1 burn ban in Okanogan County is extended to 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, because unhealthy air quality conditions are expected through the weekend, according to the Washington Department of Ecology.

Light winds and rain Monday evening are expected to improve conditions in Okanogan County by Tuesday morning.

Under a Stage 1 ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited including residential, agricultural and forest burning. Use of uncertified wood stoves, fireplaces, inserts, and other uncertified wood-burning devices is prohibited unless they are a home’s only adequate source of heat. Certified wood stoves, pellet stoves and other certified wood-burning devices are allowed.

Call 866-211-6284 if you think someone is illegally burning or you are impacted by smoke.

Ecology’s burn bans do not apply on tribal reservations, where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has jurisdiction. Call 800-424-4372 for tribal burn ban information or visit EPA’s Washington Burn Ban page on their website.